Safely Leaving A Domestic Violence Situation
Leaving a relationship that you are not happy in is never easy, but that scenario gets even more complicated when domestic violence is involved. There is the fear that if you try to leave; your life could be in danger. There is the fear of not knowing where you will live, or in some cases, where your next meal would even come from. In some cases, victims stay in the situation simply because of this fear. But it is possible to successfully leave a domestic violence situation. Preparing in advance may be the only way to safely do so.
Preparing to Leave
If you are currently living with your partner, preparing to leave a domestic violence situation can be tricky. You will have to hide income in a separate account designed for starting over and somehow get as many of your belongings out of the home as possible. You should also pack a bag that will include everything you need when you leave and put this in a place that will be easily accessible. This bag could be at a friend's house or even at work. Included in this bag should be:
- A spare set of car keys
- A list of phone numbers for loved ones, shelters, attorneys and police
- Medication
- Credit cards, checking account information and cash
- Copies of financial documents
- Copies of legal documents such as marriage licenses and court orders
- A change of clothing
- Personal items you want to ensure you keep such as jewelry
Documenting the Abuse
Once you have made the decision to leave, start documenting any abuse that occurs while you are setting your plan in motion. This will be important should you want to press charges or if you are getting a divorce. Take photographs of any injuries including bruising or cuts. If you have torn or bloody clothing, make sure to hang on to it. Also hang on to medical records and any household items that have been associated with abuse. You can also keep a journal of any time abuse occurs, even if it is emotional abuse.
Leaving the Home
Once everything has been put in place, decide when the best time to leave is. You may want to do this while your partner is not home, and at a time where they will least expect it. For example, if your partner leaves for an eight hour work day, leave soon after them in order to give you time to get as far away as possible. Try not to go to an obvious place such as a relative's or best friend's home, as this will likely be the first place your partner looks. You may need to hide in a hotel in a neighboring city for a few days.
After you are in a safe place, consider contacting a family law attorney like Gerald Mack Freeman atty. They can help you through the process of getting an order of protection and filing criminal charges. An attorney can also help you with filing for divorce and any issues regarding child custody that may arise.